Every year, the Houston Texans, along with the 31 other NFL teams, elect one player to represent the franchise as the recipient of the Salute to Service Award.
This year, a second-year running back has been bestowed the honor.
Texans running back Woody Marks was named the team’s nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award. The award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting U.S. service members, veterans and their families.
Marks, the Texans' top running back, grew up with the military in his life. His uncle served in the armed forces during his childhood. Last July, Marks hosted a free, two-day football camp for military children at Fort Hood in Central Texas.
In 2025, Marks served
as a guest coach in the Texans’ Salute to Service Showdown, a competitive flag football game between teams representing different branches of the military and first responders.
Proud to recognize Woody Marks, our 2026 NFL Salute to Service Award nominee! pic.twitter.com/gDA7gvgiSu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 5, 2026
Fans can show their support for Marks by voting online beginning today at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote. From now until Monday, Nov. 30, fans can submit one vote per day to help make Marks one of this year’s three finalists. The finalists will be announced in January following the regular season. The winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LXI week.
The Texans will celebrate Salute to Service on Sunday, Nov. 29, when they welcome in the Baltimore Ravens at Reliant Stadium for a Noon kick.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Woody Marks named Texans' 2026 nominee of Salute to Service Award
